The All Nagaland Private School Association (ANPSA) Dimapur Unit Basketball Tournament commenced on Thursday at Pilgrim Higher Secondary School, commemorating the celebration of 25 years of ANPSA Dimapur Unit Sports.
Delivering his address as the chief guest, Additional Director, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Megolhu Dolie, emphasised that such celebrations are not only meant to commemorate milestones but also to foster shared memories, commitment, and unity.
He also highlighted that physical education and sports play crucial role in the all-round development of an individual’s personality.
Dolie described sports as a technical discipline that requires dedication, discipline, and strong determination, and thereby encouraged players to make full use of their talents and to compete in the true spirit of sportsmanship. Ending his speech he extended his best wishes to all participants.
Guest of honour, District Education Officer, Dimapur, Jevika Kiba, in her address expressed happiness at witnessing young talents come together on a common platform. She noted that sports play vital role in the holistic development of young individuals by instilling discipline, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Beyond physical benefits, she said sports also nurture character, unity, and mutual respect among students from different schools.
Kiba further described the event as a milestone reflecting the vision and commitment towards empowering young minds through sports and education.
She later encouraged participants to give their best, play with passion and fearlessness, and use the tournament as an opportunity to build friendships and create lasting memories.
Also delivering a short speech, ANPSA Dimapur Unit president Asito Peseyie, in his address, underscored that sports instil essential values such as discipline, teamwork, leadership, and respect, adding that such qualities extend beyond the playing field.
Marking ANPSA’s Silver Jubilee, he informed that a series of sporting events have been planned throughout the year, adding that following the basketball tournament, events including badminton at Vidya Bhawan Higher Secondary School, Math Olympiad, table tennis and sepak takraw at Grace Academy, and a grand athletics meet at Greenwood School later in November would be held.
He further expressed confidence that such initiatives would significantly contribute to youth development while strengthening sporting culture in the district and the state.
Ending his speech, he advised students by stating, “There are no shortcuts to success. Motivation gets you started, but habit keeps you going. Make hard work, practice, and dedication a habit”. It may be noted that altogether, ten schools are participating in the boys’ and girls’ basketball tournament, including Pilgrim Higher Secondary School, Lima Aier Higher Secondary School (LAHSS), Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Holy Cross Higher Secondary School (HCHSS), Little Star Higher Secondary School, Grace Academy, Vidya Bhawan Higher Secondary School, Greenwood Higher Secondary School, and Christian Higher Secondary School.
Earlier, thanksgiving prayer was offered by Ex-officio advisor to ANPSA Central, and Pastor, garden Mission CRC, Sovima, Chümoukedima, Nini Sekhose, welcome note by principal, Pilgrim Hr Sec School, Kaini Khekho Kikon, while oath taking was initiated by convener, basketball tournament and organising committee, and vice principal, DBHSS, Fr Daniel.
